Reel Science: Columbia River Canoe Project
With Robert Lester, Columbia River Canoe Project Leader; Mike Johnson, Legal Director at Columbia Riverkeepers
MAR 20, 6:30-8:30PM | Doors @ 6:15PM
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies and documentaries to life on the big screen. Perfect for science and film lovers alike, this series combines the best of Science Pub with the fun of movie night, bringing in experts to amplify your movie-watching experience.
6:15PM | Doors Open
6:30PM | Columbia River Canoe Project
7:35PM | Discussion and Q&A with Robert Lester, Columbia River Canoe Project Leader; Mike Johnson, Legal Director at Columbia Riverkeepers
TICKETS:
$8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 youth; OMSI members receive 15% off
ABOUT THE FILM:
Columbia River Canoe Project: An Adventure from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean
The Columbia River Canoe Project follows cousins Robert Lester and Braxton Mitchell as they attempt a 1,300-mile canoe expedition from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Braxton, only 18, has never been in a canoe before volunteering for this adventure of a lifetime. Though just a few years older, Robert leads the expedition, trying to overcome the unforeseen challenges of such an ambitious journey. As the pair navigate the river, enduring the hardships of battling dams, rapids, and wind, Braxton grows up, learning about life and discovering his true capabilities.
While following their downstream journey, the film highlights the ecological issues facing the Columbia River Watershed and promotes the importance of environmental stewardship. The Columbia River Canoe Project takes viewers on an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unpredictable challenges, and a wealth of inspiration.
Duration: 62 minutes
Robert Lester, Columbia River Canoe Project Leader
Being born in Montana and raised in the mountains Robert gained an appreciation for the natural world from a young age. Skiing with his mother and going on adventures with his father as a child shaped Robert’s desires in life. As Robert got older he came to a crossroads. Follow a passion for science and biology or live a more outdoor centered life. An outdoor life won out. Robert committed himself to being the best mountain athlete possible, achieving a career as a sponsored skier, mountaineer, and full time adventurer. As Robert has spent his life in nature it became obvious to advocate for the sustainability and conservation of the natural world that has given him so much. Striving to safeguard the gifts bestowed upon us by the world. It’s this goal which led him to create the Columbia River Canoe Project. A 1300 mile canoe expedition from the headwaters of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean executed to inspire stakeholders near and far to empower measurable improvements for the Columbia River’s ecosystem and its future.
Mike Johnson, Legal Director at Columbia Riverkeepers
Miles Johnson (he/him) works to reduce water pollution and restore salmon by enforcing the Clean Water Act and providing legal counsel for <strong>Columbia Riverkeeper’s campaigns. Prior to law school, Miles worked as a fisheries researcher in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. As an enthusiastic fish-eater, Miles is personally invested in ensuring that we can all eat fish caught in the Columbia without endangering the health of our families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
OMSI has a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events. We recommend you download the app prior to your arrival at OMSI. You can also pay via their website at www.parkingkitty.com.